By Matt McLaughlin

Matt joined Frontstretch in 2007 after a decade of race-writing, paired with the first generation of racing internet sites like RaceComm and Racing One. Now semi-retired, he submits occasional special features while his retrospectives on drivers like Alan Kulwicki, Davey Allison, and other fallen NASCAR legends pop up every summer on Frontstretch. A motorcycle nut, look for the closest open road near you and you can catch him on the Harley during those bright, summer days in his beloved Pennsylvania.

Racing at the Beach: Daytona Boycotts & Brushes With Greatness, 1965-70

March 16, 2022February 4, 2007 By Matt McLaughlin

The Hemi Chryslers had dominated the 1964 Daytona Speedweeks, but it was a very different picture when the 1965 event rolled around.

Racing at the Beach: The Daytona 500 Tradition Gains Momentum, 1960-64

March 16, 2022February 1, 2007 By Matt McLaughlin

The inaugural Daytona 500 had been a huge success with nary a caution to mar the proceedings, so as the Grand National circuit prepared for their second visit.

Racing at the Beach: The Daytona Debut of The Great American Race

March 16, 2022January 31, 2007 By Matt McLaughlin

To those drivers slated to run in the very first Daytona 500, their first glimpse of the brand new speedway must have been awe inspiring. When Bill France Sr. first proposed a 2.5-mile racetrack with high-banked corners, more than a few people scoffed that it would never be built, and some even said it couldn’t …

Racing on the Beach: The Early History of Daytona, 1949-58

March 15, 2022January 30, 2007 By Matt McLaughlin

Before the first Daytona 500 was held at Bill France’s magnificent new superspeedway, NASCAR’s Grand National Division ran on the old beach and road course.

NASCAR Stories to Watch in 2007: Part 2

March 14, 2022January 22, 2007 By Matt McLaughlin

Unlike Nextel Cup, TV ratings for the NASCAR Busch Series actually went up this year. That’s despite the fact the series championship was a literal runaway.

NASCAR Stories to Watch in 2007: Part 1

March 14, 2022January 21, 2007 By Matt McLaughlin

2007 may well be a pivotal year in the sport of NASCAR racing. It might takes a few more years down the road and the retrospect it will offer to see how things play out. But clearly, this is a year of big changes, and for a jaded cynic like myself, the whole shooting match …

Benny Parsons Remembered: David Slays Goliath

March 14, 2022January 16, 2007 By Matt McLaughlin

Editor’s Note: In honor of Benny Parsons, who died Tuesday at the age of 65, Matt McLaughlin chooses to remember the life Parsons lived on the track… including one incredible championship no one will ever forget. The date was Oct. 21, 1973, and the Winston Cup teams were in Rockingham, N.C. for the final event …